Defence & Security Industry
For automotive suppliers moving into defence, aerospace and dual-use – with the right people from day one.
The situation
Many automotive suppliers are repositioning for the security and defence industry, military technology and German Armed Forces contracts. Investment is rising significantly through 2030, with a large share in Bavaria. The bottleneck is almost always the same: people – in sales, quality and certification, programmes and production.
The niche
Entering the defence market requires someone who can open it up: contacts with prime contractors and OEMs, BAAINBw and German Armed Forces procurement, and an understanding of public procurement law, trade fairs and networks. I find these sales professionals – as permanent hires through executive search or as interim business developers for the first months of market entry.
Services
Sales directors, key account managers for defence and tender managers for public procurement.
Engineers, quality managers (EN 9100, AQAP), programme and project managers, manufacturing specialists.
Transition support for market entry, ramp-up or certification projects.
Fill key roles, build the team and add interim management where needed, at a fixed price.
New plants and sites, talent analysis and workforce planning; experience from BMW plant build-ups in Brazil and Mexico, including volume recruitment.
Who it is for
Mid-sized suppliers, component manufacturers, contract manufacturers, dual-use companies and technology providers – especially in Franconia, Upper Franconia and throughout Bavaria; also companies entering new markets through programmes such as Bayern International, Bayern Innovativ or delegation trips by the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs.
What matters
Certifications and security vetting remain the responsibility of the client and the relevant accredited bodies. People · Places · Performance finds the people who build and carry these requirements; PPP is not certified to these standards and does not hold its own security clearance.
Let’s discuss key roles, timing and search geography confidentially.
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